2018 Ford Ecosport: engine overheating

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Engine · AZ

On August 20, 2026, my 2018 Ford EcoSport equipped with the 1.0L EcoBoost engine suddenly shut down while I was driving on the highway. The unexpected loss of engine power created a serious safety concern because the vehicle became disabled while traveling in highway traffic. This failure occurred despite extensive previous engine-related repairs, including completion of Ford Safety Recall 23S64. On September 15, 2025, the vehicle overheated, the check-engine light illuminated, and coolant had to be added. Camelback Ford subsequently diagnosed a cracked thermostat housing, cracked coolant expansion reservoir, and failed reservoir cap. These components were replaced. During the same September 2025 service visit, Camelback Ford performed Safety Recall 23S64, replacing the engine oil-pump drive belt, tensioner, and timing belt on the original engine. In December 2025, the vehicle experienced significant power loss. Camelback Ford diagnosed a failed vacuum pump and discovered that the turbocharger’s internal turbine had come apart and completely seized. The turbocharger was replaced in January 2026. Approximately seven months later, on August 20, 2026, the engine unexpectedly shut down on the highway. The vehicle was taken to Earnhardt Ford. On October 16, 2026, the dealership reported severe coolant intrusion into cylinder 3. During a cooling-system pressure test, cylinder 3 filled with coolant within approximately 10 minutes. Diagnostic codes included P0217, P0301, P0303, P0316, P1285, and P1299, indicating overheating and engine misfires. Earnhardt Ford suspects an internal cylinder-wall failure but has not confirmed the exact source of the coolant intrusion. The dealership recommends complete engine long-block replacement. I am concerned about the safety of these engines, particularly the risk of sudden engine shutdown while driving, even after completion of an engine-related safety recall. I request that the federal safety agency review this incident for a potential safety def

Filed May 21, 2024 · Engine · 53,572 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to coolant leaking into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 53,572.

Filed Apr 19, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · 47,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start. The contact had to depress the Push-to-Start button three times before the vehicle would start. After driving for 15 minutes, the engine overheated. The contact pulled over. The vehicle was restarted, but there was smoke detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

Filed Apr 5, 2024 · Engine · 80,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating, after which the vehicle entered LIMP Mode and lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Oct 24, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · 100,000 miles · AZ

Low engine pressure messaged came on and check engine light. Overheating light beeped saying coolant is hot so I turned on heater to cool down and pulled over. Made an appointment with ford dealership for them to tell me cracked cylinder head due to coolant leaking into system. Of course by the time it got looked at the dealership it was slightly over 100000 miles. I’ve read along with hearing from ford that this has been common complaint with this model. Then I’m told to get a new engine that it’s on back order for 6 months to a year! This issue is scary and to think of the possibility of car engulfing with ford not doing anything to fix the issue. Now I’m stuck paying $15,000 left on and low chance to get a new engine if that engine doesn’t cause the same issues!

Filed Jul 13, 2023 · Engine · 93,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted to drive or reverse, the vehicle started to jerk. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 - 55 MPH, the engine started to overheat with the "Low Engine Oil Pressure" message and the oil lamp warning light illuminated. The vehicle stalled and the contact coasted to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure recurred 3 times on that day. The contact became aware of white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle near the exhaust pipe which dissipated after the vehicle was shut off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact notified that vehicle had experienced engine failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.

Filed May 2, 2023 · Engine · GA

I bought my Ford Ecosport June 30th 2022 with 33k miles. On March 30th 2023 coolant leaked into the cylinder head resulting in a blown gasket. This was very unexpected as the car showed no signs of any issues at all up until the day of. I was driving the car to get an oil change and brakes checked. The car began to over heat and notify me that the engine was reducing power due to it's overheating. The car would not rise to 2 RPM and was extremely hard to make accelerate if I stopped at a redlight or stop sign. I just barely made it to the auto shop after breaking down in the middle of the busy road multiple times. I almost did not make it through a large intersection. The car has been inspected by the manufacturer and they have confirmed the issues. I am aware there was a recall where Ford identified a problem with a coolant pipe (referred to as the degas hose), on just under 45,000 Ford Focus 1.0-litre Ecoboost models sold in the UK between October 2011 and October 2013. My car has a 1L ecoboost engine with the exact same malfunction.

Filed Aug 2, 2022 · Engine · MI

1,000 miles from home we suddenly received a low oil pressure warning. I immediately pulled into the gas station that was magically there. The oil was found to be full, but the car wouldn’t start again. We had it towed to the nearest Ford dealer in Mississippi who contacted us the next business day. We have been told that the oil pump tensioner broke requiring a new engine. We are awaiting a full estimate, and an appraiser to look it over from the warranty company to know the full extent and if it will be covered. Not only were we stranded in 90+ degree heat in the middle of nowhere 1,000 miles from home, there were no options for transportation to the nearest airport 1 1/2 hours away to get a rental on a Saturday afternoon. We were lucky in that we stopped and didn’t try to continue only to have it die in the middle of the highway. No leaking fluids, no engine trouble prior, no other warning or overheating present. Just a sudden loss of pressure and now my car is on the opposite side of the country needing a new engine.